Best Pizza Sauce

Bold, flavorful, and zero cooking required, this is the best pizza sauce you’ll ever spread, dip, or spoon. It’s made with pantry staples, bursts with rich tomato flavor, and skips all the preservatives you’ll find in store-bought jars.

about this pizza sauce 

This no-cook homemade pizza sauce has become a non-negotiable for our weekly pizza nights. After testing every version under the sun, this one finally nailed it. It’s thick, bold, and loaded with real tomato flavor, plus a garlicky punch that makes you feel like you are in the pizzeria on the corner you always drool over.

Store-bought simply can’t compete. No preservatives, no mystery ingredients, just pantry staples you already have. We keep a batch in the fridge at all times, especially during the summer when our backyard pizza oven is constantly being fired up. It works just as well on skillet pizzas inside when the weather doesn’t cooperate too! If you’ve got 5 minutes and a blender, you’re basically there.

What makes this easy pizza sauce recipe truly special is that it’s totally customizable. Want it spicier? Creamier? A little smoky? You can tweak it any way you like. It makes enough for 4 to 6 pizzas, depending on size, which means you’re always one step ahead for those spontaneous pizza cravings.

ingredients for homemade pizza sauce

Garlic cloves. Fresh garlic is always a must when you can use it. Chop it fine or mince it. It’s all getting blended so don’t worry too much about how you chop it.

Whole peeled tomatoes. Opt for canned peeled whole tomatoes, preferably San Marzano tomatoes if available. They bring sweetness and a touch of acidity, perfect for pizza.

Tomato paste. This thickens things up and gives the sauce that deep, rich base. If you like a thicker sauce, this is your MVP.

Dried oregano. Classic pizza herb. It layers in a familiar pizzeria flavor you can’t skip.

Italian seasoning. A blend of basil, rosemary, thyme, and more. It rounds out the herb profile without needing to open five different jars.

Sea salt. Brings everything together. Taste as you go, since canned tomatoes can vary in saltiness.

Onion powder. Adds a mellow background note that complements the garlic without overpowering it.

Black pepper. Freshly ground is best for that little kick. Adjust to your preference.

Cane sugar. Just a touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Don’t worry, it won’t taste sweet.

this recipe’s must-haves 

You’ll need a solid blender (like a Vitamix) or food processor to get that silky-smooth texture. An immersion blender will also work.

Measuring cups and spoons are essential for keeping your ratios in check, especially when adjusting for taste. Once blended, store it in airtight mason jars or your favorite sauce containers to keep it fresh.

here’s how to make the best pizza sauce

Combine and Blend

Add all the ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth.

Flavor

Taste and adjust the seasoning for more salt, a pinch more sugar, or extra oregano.

Use It

Spread onto your favorite pizza dough or use it as a dip for garlic bread or mozzarella sticks.

variations

Want to switch it up? Stir in some freshly chopped basil for a burst of brightness or add crushed fennel seeds to give it that signature sausage-pizza flavor. For a mellow, sweeter garlic profile, roast the cloves before blending them in—your kitchen will smell amazing.

Craving something richer? Blend in a spoonful of ricotta or a splash of heavy cream to make it ultra-lush and velvety. And if you’re all about the heat, a little Calabrian chili paste, crushed red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne can take things up a notch.

You can even throw in smoked paprika for a subtle, smoky depth that makes this homemade pizza sauce recipe even more addictive.

More sauce recipes to explore: Bacon Aioli I Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce I Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce I Chipotle Aioli

faqs

Need more inspiration for pizzas to use this sauce on? Check out my pizza recipes page!

How to use this pizza sauce

This homemade pizza sauce works beautifully on everything from thin-crust pizza to deep-dish and even flatbreads. Dunk garlic knots, mozzarella sticks, or air fryer roasted garlic bread straight into it. 

Swirl it into baked ziti or lasagna for an instant upgrade. Or pile it high on meatball subs with melted mozzarella cheese and don’t forget the sourdough garlic toast for dipping.

how to store

Store. Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Reheat. Warm gently in the microwave or a small saucepan over low heat.

Freeze. Portion into ice cube trays for easy use. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. They will be good for up to 3 months.

more of our favorite baked appetizer recipes

Keep the pizza party going with the ultra-creamy grilled burrata pizza. That melty center gets everyone talking, or you can try this irresistibly gooey fried mozzarella prosciutto pizza, which brings crispy, cheesy, salty goodness in every bite. 

These are the kinds of dishes that disappear fast, especially when you’ve got a batch of this garlic pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Pair them with a few cold drinks and your favorite people, and you’ve got yourself a backyard party no one wants to leave.

Finally, if you make the best pizza sauce recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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